Rare Earth Magnets

These are some of the strongest magnets you will ever use! Great for door catches - or embed a magnet into wood to make a refrigerator magnet. Optional magnet mounting cups and washers also available; mounting screws not included.

I glued one to a dowel and covered it and another one with soft felt like material. Putting one inside the face of a guitar and moving it around with the one on the stick I am able to very accurately find the positions of the braces inside. Mystery revealed!

I use the magnets in my shop to hang tools. I have an all metal bldg, insulated, with metal wall and ceiling. I use very good (THE LAST GLUE) super glue to attach magnets to tools. this works very well.

These magnets are extremely strong and easy to glue into place after drilling a small hole the same size. I have used them on cabinets, on swinging doors over a mirror, on a box to hide pipes inside a cabinet which makes for easy removing in any event and I have even used them to hold my license plate on my motorcycle so I didn't have to drill new holes.

I've been making portable chess boards that consist of four, 6" square sections that, when assembled, are held together by eight 3/8" diameter rare earth magnets precisely located and held in place by their matching cups which align with embedded steel plugs which I make. The magnets and cups are always available from Rocker.Dave Popelka

I love these magnets. I have Converging Pocket Doors in my bathroom and was looking for a way to hold them shut. I thought I would need several sets so that the doors would stay shut. I started with 1 set thinking I would keep adding a set as necessary but after the first set the doors stay firmly shut. I'm going to use another pair on a set of french doors I built going into the master suite. These are really strong.

I used my hot glue gun to glue these R.E.,magnets to the underside of my Park bike tool tray so that parts/tools don't go rolling around or rolling into oblivion somewhere else.....very secure application/job.

During the past many years, I have used Rockler's Rare Earth magnets for several projects, and they have proved to be the perfect piece of hardware in every case. Use them when your have two pieces of wood that need to come together but also need to be easily separated at a given time.

The various sizes are very helpful - depending upon the size of the wood and the strength you need to hold the two surfaces together.

Each of the component parts are made with precision, i.e., the magnets, cups, washers, etc. A+

I use them to keep chuck keys and saw wrenches close at hand to the machines. Now looking for other uses. Now I'm going to make apron strap holders (snap?) to eliminate the need to tie straps behind my back.

I have used them over the years for keeping drawers closed, in my quest to become the state champion in Archery, and in my Radio control planes. Plus many more ways of using them like keeping tools close at hand.

When the ball catches in my closet doors wore out, I looked for alternative closing solutions. The magnets are perfect. The basket with screw installs easily and holds the magnet perfectly. I use dark colored "L" bracket inside closet for the magnet to close against and hold door tightly closed.

BEST ANSWER:These product descriptions are kinda slim on content and description. Here's what I know . . . You fasten the "Magnet Cups" to your workpiece and then pop the "Magnets" into the cup. The cup is only used for locating/holding the magnet in place. The "Washers for Magnets" are strikers or targets for the magnet to attract (they're just made of plated steel . . . they're not magnets. The "Washers" are the fridge in the magnet/fridge analogy. Hope that helps!

BEST ANSWER:These product descriptions are kinda slim on content and description. Here's what I know . . . You fasten the "Magnet Cups" to your workpiece and then pop the "Magnets" into the cup. The cup is only used for locating/holding the magnet in place. The "Washers for Magnets" are strikers or targets for the magnet to attract (they're just made of plated steel . . . they're not magnets. The "Washers" are the fridge in the magnet/fridge analogy. Hope that helps!

Tough question to answer without understanding the application and size of the magnets. To give you a sense of the holding power I have used the 3/8" and 1/2" for my projects. I successfully used the 3/8" to keep the door of a Little Library closed and I used the 1/2" for my cribbage boards. The cribbage boards were made to twist the upper and lower boards apart to expose the storage compartments. I used the magnet cup holder and washers made for the magnets. It provided a professional look. In my opinion the magnets were worth the investment for my projects. Hope this helps

When you have a rate earth magnet attached to metal it is nearly impossible to separate it with your fingers. You typically will need a tool to pry then apart. You still need to take into consideration what you are holding, how much it weighs, and the orientation of what is being held.

Quite a bit. I haven't measure the exact weight that it can hold but it's pretty substantial compared to the size. I would say at least a couple pounds. I'll try to figure out the holding power when I get a chance.

BEST ANSWER:I don't know about barn doors, however we are using them to hold an oven door closed. The door is heavy and the spring broke. (Our oven is an antique that we don't use). The magnets do the trick; we use one on each side. They are the strongest magnets we've ever had. Handle them carefully; I got my finger caught between them & it wasn't pretty.

BEST ANSWER:I don't know about barn doors, however we are using them to hold an oven door closed. The door is heavy and the spring broke. (Our oven is an antique that we don't use). The magnets do the trick; we use one on each side. They are the strongest magnets we've ever had. Handle them carefully; I got my finger caught between them & it wasn't pretty.

I don’t think so, because the doors would have to align perfectly each time they shut and my experience with barn doors is they tend to move a lot also the magnets I used were very small, you would have to have a very large powerful magnets to keep the doors together so my answer to you would be no I would try a different method

I have a kitchen cabinet that holds to trash containers the hinges come off so I put them back with a longer screw but they never stay closed now and constantly stay ajar I was hoping some magnets clued Ir stuck onto door and cabinets would keep these doors closed please advise which would work ?

I'm using the 3/8" magnets and cups to secure my chisel set in a french cleat holder. Can I install the magnets and then polyurethane the whole thing, or should I wait to install the magnets until the poly application is finished?

BEST ANSWER:Best to wait if you can since I personally prefer to keep the surface uncovered but these magnets have so much energy that it should not hamper its hold even when under a coat of polyurethane.

BEST ANSWER:Best to wait if you can since I personally prefer to keep the surface uncovered but these magnets have so much energy that it should not hamper its hold even when under a coat of polyurethane.

I recently bought a log cabin home where none of the interior doors were bored for passage sets and the jambs were not mortised for catch hardware. I have attached cast iron gate handles to the doors and would like to use these magnets as a door catch countersinking the magnet into the jamb and screwing the washer into the door.The doors are solid six panel pine 32 and 36 x78". Which magnet would best serve this application?

Interesting application for these amazingly powerful magnets. I am planning to use these to hold some new frameless glass fireplace doors closed when the fire is off (gas logs), and I don't see why this application would not work. I think that either the magnet or its corresponding metal strike plate should be affixed so that it can move slightly to accommodate the inevitable misalignments between the two. I recall the old style magnetic cabinet latches mount the magnet in a little cage so that the pole pieces on the magnet could float a bit and attach precisely to the corresponding screwed on metal plate.

I want to inset one or two 3/8" magnets in lid of small chest and in the side wall. Can I use two magnets or should I use a magnet and a cup? What type of glue is recommended that will secure the magnet so it will not pull out when in contact with other magnet or cup?

BEST ANSWER:I'd probably use one magnet within a cup and then a washer on the other side. Might be best to get a pack of each and do some tests. Remember that the magnet needs to match the inside diameter of the cup. Sometimes the cups and washers come with small flat head screws (I think #4) so no glue is needed. Just use a fostner bit the right diameter to recess both the cup and washer flush. Depending on the type of wood you could use the black round stickers they offer. I've alstroemerias, in some cases, buried a slightly larger magnet in a painted project under 1/8" of wood within and without cups on two faces and there was enough strength to keep a bifold cabinet door on an AC cabinet in the open position against the neighboring cabinet door. I like to keep a few sizes around the shop since they take a bit longer to ship. Lots of online sites now offer them.

BEST ANSWER:I'd probably use one magnet within a cup and then a washer on the other side. Might be best to get a pack of each and do some tests. Remember that the magnet needs to match the inside diameter of the cup. Sometimes the cups and washers come with small flat head screws (I think #4) so no glue is needed. Just use a fostner bit the right diameter to recess both the cup and washer flush. Depending on the type of wood you could use the black round stickers they offer. I've alstroemerias, in some cases, buried a slightly larger magnet in a painted project under 1/8" of wood within and without cups on two faces and there was enough strength to keep a bifold cabinet door on an AC cabinet in the open position against the neighboring cabinet door. I like to keep a few sizes around the shop since they take a bit longer to ship. Lots of online sites now offer them.

Not really understanding how or why you'd want a kitchen cabinet door to hold onto a fridge door, but if your fridge door is metal, these magnets will hold anything to it. I mean anything, as long as you use the largest ones necessary, enough of them, and placed properly. Rare earth magnets are the strongest ones for any purpose

BEST ANSWER:Bill, Unfortunately, Rockler is often short of technical info.; case in point. However, if you go to Lee Valley, they have a chart for their magnets that might help you. The LV magnets that I know well are top quality but I have not had an issue with the Rockler magnets I have used and they seem to be comparable to LV's. So, it's possible the data in the LV chart might apply to the Rockler magnets with little variation. If it is critical, consider the LV products; you won't go wrong, there.

BEST ANSWER:Bill, Unfortunately, Rockler is often short of technical info.; case in point. However, if you go to Lee Valley, they have a chart for their magnets that might help you. The LV magnets that I know well are top quality but I have not had an issue with the Rockler magnets I have used and they seem to be comparable to LV's. So, it's possible the data in the LV chart might apply to the Rockler magnets with little variation. If it is critical, consider the LV products; you won't go wrong, there.

BEST ANSWER:Hmm, so how much water and what kind are you talking about? Cannot suggest specifics without more info.Neodymium magnets are always coated with something to protect them against the elements. The silver ones at Rockler are almost certainly nickel plated, which is the most common coating in the industry, by far. Nickel will give some protection against rusting but be aware that all platings are not equal. I don't know how well plated their magnets are.

If you look on the web, you can find rubber coated neodymium magnets (and a bunch of other coated ones) and instructions as to how to rubberize them, yourself. However, if you coat a disc magnet, you will not be able to put it into a magnet cup. You will have to use a washer, instead. If have the magnet in its cup, you could coat the whole deal, so be sure to rubberize the edge of the cup to avoid water sliding behind the cup and then into it via the screw. Luck with your project. mike

BEST ANSWER:Hmm, so how much water and what kind are you talking about? Cannot suggest specifics without more info.Neodymium magnets are always coated with something to protect them against the elements. The silver ones at Rockler are almost certainly nickel plated, which is the most common coating in the industry, by far. Nickel will give some protection against rusting but be aware that all platings are not equal. I don't know how well plated their magnets are.

If you look on the web, you can find rubber coated neodymium magnets (and a bunch of other coated ones) and instructions as to how to rubberize them, yourself. However, if you coat a disc magnet, you will not be able to put it into a magnet cup. You will have to use a washer, instead. If have the magnet in its cup, you could coat the whole deal, so be sure to rubberize the edge of the cup to avoid water sliding behind the cup and then into it via the screw. Luck with your project. mike

I have a set of interior barn doors that come together in the middle. I would like to use a magnet on one door, and a cup or washer on the other door. Would these be strong enough to keep the doors together? Can I use several pairs spaced along the height of the doors to increase holding?

A shopper
on Jul 27, 2015

BEST ANSWER:Hi There, BarnsterMy guess is that you can do what you wish with magnets but you did not include the door size, hinging and construction, so I am reluctant to offer specifics. Here are some tips that may help: 1- the heavier the doors, the larger the magnets you may want to use. Place the magnets in cups and be sure to notch the cup's edge or you will not be able to pry that magnet out for any reason in the future. Be sure to cut the notch deeply enough that you can get a tool under the magnet's edge. 2- neo magnets have very powerful pull strength which is aided by the cup (do not use a washer). However, the maximum strength can only be achieved when two criteria are met: a] the magnet must sit flush against its metal target and b] the metal target must be iron containing and thick enough to incorporate the magnetic field effectively. Flat steel straps from home depot,1"x1/8", work well. Thinner metal also works but the hold won't be as strong. You can put more than one magnet along a strip of the steel bar. Stainless steel has poor magnetic properties. By drilling slighty oversized holes in the target, you can allow it to pivot a bit, improving the contact relationship with the magnet(s).3- If any areas of the doors get really hot, like from direct sun, you may want to mount the magnets away from that. Magnets reduce their magnetic power proportionally as their temp increases, though it returns when they cool down, as long as the temp did not get too high, wherein a permanent loss occurs.Hope this helps. mike

BEST ANSWER:Hi There, BarnsterMy guess is that you can do what you wish with magnets but you did not include the door size, hinging and construction, so I am reluctant to offer specifics. Here are some tips that may help: 1- the heavier the doors, the larger the magnets you may want to use. Place the magnets in cups and be sure to notch the cup's edge or you will not be able to pry that magnet out for any reason in the future. Be sure to cut the notch deeply enough that you can get a tool under the magnet's edge. 2- neo magnets have very powerful pull strength which is aided by the cup (do not use a washer). However, the maximum strength can only be achieved when two criteria are met: a] the magnet must sit flush against its metal target and b] the metal target must be iron containing and thick enough to incorporate the magnetic field effectively. Flat steel straps from home depot,1"x1/8", work well. Thinner metal also works but the hold won't be as strong. You can put more than one magnet along a strip of the steel bar. Stainless steel has poor magnetic properties. By drilling slighty oversized holes in the target, you can allow it to pivot a bit, improving the contact relationship with the magnet(s).3- If any areas of the doors get really hot, like from direct sun, you may want to mount the magnets away from that. Magnets reduce their magnetic power proportionally as their temp increases, though it returns when they cool down, as long as the temp did not get too high, wherein a permanent loss occurs.Hope this helps. mike

I have used rare earths in the manner you describe as fasteners for small doors (medicine cabinets) and to affix pieces of furniture that i might want to detach later (board on built-in bookcase that covers electrical hookups). A larger door would require a lot of magnets, and I imagine a barn would have a huge door. I think rare earths are unlikely to be a good fit for that project. Good luck.

I ordered a "cradled wood frame" 24" x 12" I want to put a piece of artwork on it and glass on top of that. I want to hold that glass in place with magnets in each corner. Would these magnets be strong enough to hold that?

To rephrase my question, I am asking if I put the receptor to the magnet on the back of the wooden cradled panel, the artwork on the front with a piece of glass over that, could I Put a magnet and (receptor on the back) in each corner to hold the artwork and glass? Could I glue the receptor on the back? Is the magnet sting enough to hold a 12x24 piece of glass in place?

Jill,Yes, I think magnets might work but you need to consider a few things. Firstly, thicker glass requires more magnet power; more than you might expect. Glass placed on horizontal surfaces is usually 1/4" plate glass and I'd recommend it for its durability. And before we go further, let's get some terminology straight. You have neodymium disc magnets (they come in a variety of shapes and sizes), magnetic cups and washers. Whereas you can glue magnets in place, the cups focus the magnet's power and may even prolong the life of the magnet; use them when you can. If you use magnetic cups, file or cut a vertical slot in the side of the cup all the way to the base. Make the slot wide enough to get a small screwdriver in there to pry the magnet out, in case you want to do that. No slot and you'll need a jack hammer. Use a forstner bit the drill a flat bottomed hole for the magnetic cup. Be careful to drill just enough to get the cup flush to the surface. Deeper and you lose magnet power fast.

If you install a magnet and cup in the wood, you can use either the washer on the glass or another magnet, which is the most powerful combination. Whereas it doubles the number of magnets you need, they may be more aesthetically pleasing as they can be smaller and magnets are more attractive than the washers, IMO. Neither the magnets nor washers washers are wet proof, so if one gets wet, get it off the glass and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. Then through your guest out the door for getting your magnet wet. :)I have not done this, so I cannot recommend which size magnets might be best. If you get a few different sizes, it won't take you long to figure out what you like. Also, keep in mind magnetic power is strongest when resisting pulling, not sliding, so opt for larger magnets when experimenting. Have fun,

To rephrase my question, I am asking if I put the receptor to the magnet on the back of the wooden cradled panel, the artwork on the front with a piece of glass over that, could I Put a magnet and (receptor on the back) in each corner to hold the artwork and glass? Could I glue the receptor on the back? Is the magnet sting enough to hold a 12x24 piece of glass in place?

Jill,Yes, I think magnets might work but you need to consider a few things. Firstly, thicker glass requires more magnet power; more than you might expect. Glass placed on horizontal surfaces is usually 1/4" plate glass and I'd recommend it for its durability. And before we go further, let's get some terminology straight. You have neodymium disc magnets (they come in a variety of shapes and sizes), magnetic cups and washers. Whereas you can glue magnets in place, the cups focus the magnet's power and may even prolong the life of the magnet; use them when you can. If you use magnetic cups, file or cut a vertical slot in the side of the cup all the way to the base. Make the slot wide enough to get a small screwdriver in there to pry the magnet out, in case you want to do that. No slot and you'll need a jack hammer. Use a forstner bit the drill a flat bottomed hole for the magnetic cup. Be careful to drill just enough to get the cup flush to the surface. Deeper and you lose magnet power fast.

If you install a magnet and cup in the wood, you can use either the washer on the glass or another magnet, which is the most powerful combination. Whereas it doubles the number of magnets you need, they may be more aesthetically pleasing as they can be smaller and magnets are more attractive than the washers, IMO. Neither the magnets nor washers washers are wet proof, so if one gets wet, get it off the glass and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. Then through your guest out the door for getting your magnet wet. :)I have not done this, so I cannot recommend which size magnets might be best. If you get a few different sizes, it won't take you long to figure out what you like. Also, keep in mind magnetic power is strongest when resisting pulling, not sliding, so opt for larger magnets when experimenting. Have fun,

BEST ANSWER:Harbor Freight sells a magnet that is rectangular, and is mounted on a heavy base to drag on ground to pick up stray nails from roofing. I cut the base off mine to use it in conjunction with a small gate. It will stop most dogs, etc. Wish Rockler would make a "fancier" version

BEST ANSWER:Harbor Freight sells a magnet that is rectangular, and is mounted on a heavy base to drag on ground to pick up stray nails from roofing. I cut the base off mine to use it in conjunction with a small gate. It will stop most dogs, etc. Wish Rockler would make a "fancier" version